20 Questions

I'd like to say it's some complex acronym or fancy secret code... but it's just my name. I now cringe at my lack of creativity at such a pivotal moment.

2. A/S/L/F (age, sex, location, family)?

I'm 28, female, born and raised New Englander but near enough to New York City as to make little difference. I have a DH and a little pupsters.

3. When is your Loopiversary (date of your first blog on the Loop)?

I had to check this and was shocked: Dec 19, 2011. That's a lot longer ago than I thought.

4. How long have you been running?

Since about the beginning of 2010. I had always been active (soccer, skiing, hiking) but running just for the sake of running was a big no-no. Then I inherited a crazy terrier who needed lots of exercise and there you go.

5. What is your favorite distance to race?

A year ago I probably would have said the half marathon... but now I'm not so sure. I might have to go with 50k... and I know, I know, I've only done two but gosh darnit they were fun.

6. Do you belong to a local running club?

I run with one or two people every couple of weeks or so, but most of my runs are solo. I do see the Nike Store run club every now and then at home but they meet too early for me... we exchange awkward hellos. I'm sure they wonder why I don't join them

7. Have you ever been to a Loopmeet or Loopfest?

I have not... but I'm doing NYCM this year and I've heard whispers that a few Loopsters will be hanging about...

8. Have you ever lost a toenail?

I have! But not from running. ........ the plot thickens.

9. What is your favorite post-race treat?

Beer. Done.

10. What one piece of running gear is your must-have item?

This one here is tough. I've forgotten many things and run without them anyway... Garmin, sports bra, socks... even shoes once. I guess I'd have to say shorts? Can't really swing that.

11. What socks do you wear when running?

Feetures. They keep my piggies snug and blister free.

12. How do your knees feel?

I swear to all that is holy....

13. If you could go to any one running destination/event, where/what would you chose?

Rim to Rim, if I thought I had any chance in heck of surviving.

14. Hot or cold--which is worse to run in?

Hot is worse (see above question... yikes). Like the Colonel said, it's pretty simple to put more clothes ON... taking them off is another matter entirely.

15. If you have a running inspiration or mentor, who is it?

I'm gonna go cliche and say Scott Jurek. But I can back it up: I met him, ran with him and talked shop with him on a fun run in Central Park... he gave me his full attention for our short convo and was super supportive. He also won Badwater after taking a nap in an ice coffin. So there's that.

16. What is your running mantra? (If your answer is "I have no mantra" or something lame like that, you must answer "Da do run, run, run. Da do run, run")

My mind wanders A LOT when I run, especially on the long ones, and my mantras inevitably become some snippet of my stream of consciousness that makes no sense whatsoever. Last Sunday I was slogging through mile 14 with 4 more to go and suddenly realized I was repeating "All the stupid things" over and over. One of my favorites was "I have no goatee." Yeah. I don't know.

17. Are there any other runners in your family?

I have a clear memory of my dad coming back from a run with eyelash icicles. There was a long hiatus... and now both my parents run.

18. Roads or trails?

I like both for training. Roads are nice when you need to get the miles in and want some security (bathroom breaks, water refills, other people around...) but you can't beat trails for a tough workout and solitude. Trail races, however, are daaaaa bomb.

19. What's the funniest thing that has ever happened to you on a run?

A teenager drove by and stuck his head out the window to yell at me to "pick up your knees!" and he had a toilet plunger stuck to his forehead like a unicorn horn. Clearly a model citizen.

20. What is your most memorable running moment?

Realizing I had finished second female in a 10k after hoping to just place in my age group. WHAAAAAT.

I have no goatee? I'll have to try that one (even though I have one!). Whatever works, right?

No Loop meet ups yet? Heck, we're only half a little state away from each other. Let's try to make that happen.

I knowwww I always lament this fact. I think a lot of it has to do with me trying to spend ever spare moment at home with the DH and puppy because I don't really get to see them that often during the week. I'll just have to make it work.... and I mean it about the trails thing

you'll have to tell me if you're ever doing a 50k in the South (in the winter when it's not hot or cold down here, of course) because I'd love to meet you, and just so you know- you're sort of my inspiration to get back to 50ks/ trail running.

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